Titans opt to pitch Fisher overboard

Friday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a surprising move, the Tennessee Titans have parted ways with Jeff Fisher, who was the NFL’s longest-tenured coach.

The team said in a release Thursday night that “Fisher will no longer be the head coach of the team.”

The Titans announced the move within an hour of a report by SI.com that they were negotiating Fisher’s departure and released a longer statement later saying they will always appreciate his leadership through 16 full seasons as coach.

Though the 52-year-old Fisher had been derided locally as “Coach .500” or “Coacho Ocho,” he seemingly had just survived a battle with quarterback Vince Young. Adams decided to either release Young or trade him on Jan. 5. The owner announced two days later that he would be keeping Fisher.

Fisher and Young never really jelled in five seasons together after the Titans drafted the former Texas standout with the third overall pick in 2006 under orders from Adams. The relationship frayed even as Fisher publicly defended Young until Nov. 21 when the situation boiled over.

Running back Chris Johnson said Wednesday while practicing in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl he didn’t think Fisher or Young could work together after “it hit the fan.”

League fines Peppers for helmet hit

NEW YORK — Chicago defensive end Julius Peppers has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Aaron Rodgers in the NFC championship game that drew blood from the Green Bay quarterback.

Peppers was flagged for roughing the passer on the play.

Ravens cut QB coach Zorn loose

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens have fired quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, who spent one year on the job after being dismissed as head coach of Washington.

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